Biotecture, a UK leader in the supply of living walls, has helped to enrich the public realm and contributed to the client’s ambitious sustainability goals by installing multiple PlantBox living walls at prominent locations across Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) appointed landscape architect Gillespies in 2021 to create an urban greening framework that would enhance biodiversity, improve wellbeing and create enlivened spaces for all visitors to enjoy across the Estate.

Working in collaboration with Biotecture and Willerby Landscapes, Gillespies established a vision and toolkit for each of area which included PlantBox living walls, additional planting and built in seating.

Along with creating an appealing aesthetic, the living walls at Canary Wharf are helping to improve air quality, attenuate rainwater and increase biodiversity.

Following the successful completion of phase 1, Biotecture was appointed to deliver additional living walls to mark the opening of the new Elizabeth line.

Biotecture’s PlantBox system is freestanding, stackable and modular, meaning it was able to deliver a big impact within a short timeframe; the first living wall was installed just eight weeks after the initial Biotecture visit to Canary Wharf.

The system is loadbearing and only requires restraint fixings, so the living walls at Canary Wharf did not require structural approval, which contributed to the fast turnaround.

The Biotecture project team created visualisations to ensure that the living walls met with CWG’s expectations at early design stage. The PlantBox troughs were planted up in Biotecture’s nursery before being installed on site in several phases. This ensured the living walls looked great from the outset.

Paul Griffiths, Landscape Manager at Canary Wharf Management, said: “All works by Biotecture were completed in a professional and timely manner and we are extremely pleased with the final results. We have had so much positive feedback from colleagues and tenants. It really is a job well done!”

The planting at Canary Wharf has been designed to create a vibrant, natural feel while maximising ecological benefit and resilience to climate change. Plant species have been considered and combined to ensure seasonal and visual interest through form, colour, movement, and texture.

Plant palettes at each location have been shaped by specific conditions to create a distinct character and establish plant communities that are biodiverse, robust and well suited to their environment.

Richard Sabin, Managing Director at Biotecture, said: “At Biotecture we have a passion for biophilic design and green infrastructure. It is great to see all this coming together at Canary Wharf. The additional green spaces really enhance biodiversity, improve wellbeing and create enlivened spaces for everyone to benefit from.”

As a modular system PlantBox can be extended, reconfigured or moved, which future proofs it for changing client requirements.

Each PlantBox trough has a 1.8L water reservoir and capillary felt allows plants to draw up the water needed by the plants. The cascading overflow system allows the walls to be watered easily and avoids the risk of overwatering and water wastage. On larger projects irrigation systems can be designed in by Biotecture.

Biotecture is the UK’s leading living wall company and this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

For more information on Biotecture living walls at Canary Wharf, visit: https://www.biotecture.uk.com/portfolio/canary-wharf-living-walls/